Christmas shopping for the fisherman in your life can be a challenge. You can’t guarantee fine weather, the catch or a good price, but you can show you care with one of these last minute gift ideas.
A rugged phone case
A fisherman needs a phone case that can match their lifestyle — a life at-sea. Buy them a waterproof case and an extra insurance policy. Most of the sealed waterproof phone cases for recreation sports are not practical for working fishermen but Otterbox durable ranges to fit most phones and they get good reviews from the boats. If Otterbox isn’t a hit on your boat, check out the H2PRO product line from Morphie that includes waterproof cases with an extra battery built-in.
A camera
A tough and small camera is a great option for the seaman with an artistic eye for sunrises, sunsets and coastal views. The Olympus Stylus TOUGH TG-4 digital camera is waterproof, shockproof and scratchproof, so give it a shot.
Knives
It is hard to find good knives that hold up to the rigors of saltwater fishing. Bubba Blade set out to make the ultimate fishing knife that won’t rust, split, go dull or slip out of slimy hands and reviews are good. They sell a wide range of knives and accessories that includes a 4-piece Fisherman’s Fillet Knife gift package, which includes a sharpener, a folding fillet knife and two sizes of fillet knives.
An Aran Fishermen’s Sweater
Women on the coast in Galway Bay, Ireland, have knit these hearty and attractive sweaters for fishing families for generations. The lanolin-rich wool is water resistant and it can keep the Irish damp out of bones. Different stitches represent different elements of fishing, like the braided rope and diamond nets, and the industry developed as an alternate income for struggling coastal communities.
While you’ve missed the shipping deadline from Ireland, there is still time to find an Irish gift store or buy from a U.S. website like L.L. Bean or National Geographic.
Fishing books and movies
There can be a lot of downtime at sea and what do fishermen like to do when they are not working? Talk (AKA complain) about fishing. Give them some new material and buy one of these books about the sea from 2016.
“Salt in their Veins: Conversations with Coastal Mainers” by Charles Wing and “The Last of the Shark Hunters and other Yarns” by Howard McCrindle are two good recommendations. Head to your coastal book shop and you’ll get plenty of local recommendations.
DVDs — are they still around? Yes, and depending on where you fish, streaming might not be an option to pass long hours between hauling, so stock up on DVD box sets. Stay away from “Deadliest Catch” and “Wicked Tuna” because you know they’ve watched them all ready.
Thermal underwear
Grundens Gage Technical range does a line of long underwear called Fiske-Skins that is the perfect base layer under their foul weather gear. Fashion reporters from the docks agree all the hottest fishermen are wearing this range so make sure your fisherman isn’t left out in the cold.
Nautical charts
Charts are a simple and beautiful art option for those who spend their lives on the water. You can buy them unframed and mount and frame it to suit your house or you can buy it framed. There are also 3D customized options and 3D wood maps that are works of art. Just make sure you buy from a NOAA certified agent because any fishermen will notice if it’s a fake straight away.
Cooking tools
Fishing is hungry work and red meat is usually a welcome addition on-deck. The Weber Q 1000 grills are just like the full-size Webers but are portable and perfect for warm weather fishing. Add a steak club gift and you will be extra popular this year.
Sun protection
Polarized sunglasses are a must to protect eyes from harmful UV rays that are intensified when reflected off the water. Sun exposure is linked to many eye conditions (and cancer). Invest in your fisherman’s vision and buy a good brand of sunglasses, such as Oakley or Costa del Mar. If you need specialized or prescription glasses, bring your fisherman to their optician and buy a gift card for sunglasses. Hats and sunscreen disappear easily, so stuff some spares in a stocking this year.
Industry subscriptions
If you want to play it safe, go with an industry gift like a monthly subscription to National Fisherman or a membership to their local fishing organization or club.
